This three-course, nine-credit certificate is designed for those who wish to
understand the basic structure and impact of the mass media in Canadian society.
The certificate focuses on the essentials of how the media select and shape
content, and the effects of these decisions on individuals and society. It will
be useful to those who teach media literacy in elementary, secondary, or
adult-education schools, and to those who must work with the media in their
employment.

Career opportunities

The Media
Literacy certificate acknowledges to current and potential employers of UFV
students that they have learned about how the mass media function, how messages
are selected and distributed, and what is known about the effects of these
messages.

The certificate offers a focused course of study in the media, easily
obtainable, and useful to a variety of community members for the purposes of
upgrading their teaching skills or knowledge for other employment, such as
public relations or advertising. It is also potentially useful for those who
wish to obtain a quick credential for job-seeking or other purposes as they
pursue a minor or associate of arts degree in Media and Communications Studies.
Employers in the community may wish to use the certificate as a way to develop
the knowledge of employees in media relations.

Entrance requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum of 19 years of age before the first day of classes.

This certificate is intended for students who wish to complete it at the same time as they pursue another program, but students may be admitted directly if they choose. Students must ensure that they meet course prerequisites.

How to apply

Submit the application fee, along with your UFV application for admission form, to the Office of the Registrar (OReg). You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any OReg or Student Services office.

Students will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 2.33 overall to obtain the certificate.

Students may use
the certificate courses to satisfy requirements for any Arts, Bachelor of Fine
Arts, Business Administration, Social Work, or other UFV degree, and thus may
achieve the certificate in conjunction with a variety of other credentials,
particularly at the post-graduate level, if they are involved in teaching or
working in an area that requires some knowledge of the media.

Students can apply for and receive the certificate retroactively.

Residency

Students are required to take at
least two of the three courses through UFV.